By Onny Gangata
FC Platinum coach, Norman Mapeza says, despite being a relatively young side, there will be always be expectations for his charges to deliver this season.
The Zvishavane side are in a transition of some sort after releasing several senior players at the end of last season.
The bulk of the players who formed the core of the Pure Platinum Play squad that won three league titles in a row have all left.
Goalkeeper, Petros Mhari and defender Gift Bello retired and were drafted into the side’s technical department while star forward Walter Musona joined ambitious Shamva outfit, Simba Bhora.
Raphael Muduviwa, Innocent Muchaneka,Tarisai Chikwende,Nomore Chinyerere and Gift Mbweti were all shown the exit door.
The Zvishavane side has added a few faces to bolster their seemingly young side.Versatile defender, Mbongeni Ndlovu and midfielder Brighton Manhire have joined from Highlanders while another defender Bothwell Nzori was snapped up from Black Mambas.
Exciting attacker, Davison Marowa, who was with Herentals, and goalkeeper David Bizabani are also part of Mapeza’s new arrivals.
FC Platinum will begin their Castle Lager Premier Soccer League season with a home tie against new boys Chegutu Pirates.
And the former warriors skipper feels that regardless of who gets the chance to play, there is always that expectation to get the job done.
“As a club we have our objectives, whether the players are young or not, at the end of the day we have to meet our objectives and play according to our objectives,” Mapeza said.
Their opponents, Chegutu Pirates have endured a hard time during the preseason with most of their challenges bordering around lack of resources.
“I have my uttermost respect for every club in the league, whether it’s a newly promoted side or a team that has been around for over 20 years, I have my respect for all. To get promoted to the league means they are a good side,”added Mapeza, before challenging his players to have mental strength this season.
“We have been preparing for this day like all the other premiership sides, we are ready, physically the players are looking ok but at the end of the day, it’s all about mental strength
“We have done everything, the physical side and tactical side so now it is more to do with the psychological side of football.”
